‘The Bell’ Review

Drummer Ches Smith is renowned in several music communities. He has drummed with indie rock bands, most notably Xiu Xiu; he performs in Haitian percussion groups; he has played in heralded jazz ensembles led by guitarist Mary Halvorson and in the group Snakeoil led by saxophonist Tim Berne. His own projects include Congs for Brums, a solo percussion setting with electronic accompaniment, and These Arches, a quartet with Ms. Halvorson, multi-instrumentalist Andrea Parkins and saxophonist Tony Malaby. Yet none of those diverse activities effectively preview the subtlety, texture and elegance of his new group, a trio...